she breezed in with a huge bowl filled with fresh venison, hearty beans and ripe tomatoes .

She affectionately called it

“CHILI SO HOT IT WILL BURN YOUR FACE OFF”

What?

A school teacher can’t burn people’s faces off with her combination of chili peppers and secret blend of spices?

Aunts, uncles, and cousins eagerly scooped the chili into bowls

and began eating.

On the first bite, faces contorted.

On the second bite, water was gulped.

On the third bite, beads of sweat were running down my uncle’s forehead.

I think a medic was on stand-by for my grandfather.

She literally burned their faces off.

I was offered a petite taste but politely declined, citing an allegiance to vegetarianism.

The truth is I like my face.

I didn’t want to suffer third degree burns for the sake of food.

But I did want some chili.

Good chili doesn’t need beef.

It needs good flavor.

Chili that will leave all your body parts in tact

2 medium yellow onions, diced

3 stalks celery, chopped

2 teaspoons olive oil

1 (12 oz) beer, divided

1 (30 oz) can crushed tomatoes

2 (15 oz) cans no salt added fire roasted tomatoes

1 (15 oz) can each dark and light kidney beans

4 cups kale, chopped

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon red pepper flake

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon salt

Saute onions and celery with the oil. Add ½ cup beer when onions begin to brown. Continue cooking until beer is absorbed by the vegetables. Add tomatoes, beans, kale, and spices. Pour in the remaining beer and 2-3 cups of water, depending on desired consistency. Simmer one hour.

Tidbits:

1. Make sure you use a good beer! I used Rogue Red Ale for this particular batch.

2. I like to add kale to my chili because its an easy way to get a serving of green vegetables. You can leave it out for a more traditional chili.

3. This chili gets some heat from cayenne pepper and red pepper flake, but it’s not super spicy. Add more if you do want to burn your face off.

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One thought on “Hot for Teacher”

Just so you know, your stories are great (and so are you). They always make me smile. I LOVE chili, and even more, I LOVE LOVE LOVE having roasted veggies on hand to add to lunches! I could be just like your sister, only minus the loving husband and adorable kids….sigh.